A new Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Laini Koula ‘Univesiti Manuofetoa (42), was appointed on 29 July 2025.
Mr. Manuofetoa signed a three-year contract and took his oath of office at the Prime Minister’s Office before the Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke.
Mr. Manuofetoa from the villages of Holonga, Vava’u and Fatai, Tongatap, began his career with the Government of Tonga as a Junior Prison Officer in 2004.
He was promoted to Cadet Officer in 2013 where served until he was appointed as Superintendent of Prisons in 2015.
In 2019, Mr. Manuofetoa was promoted to his most recent role as Deputy Commissioner of Prisons.
Mr. Manuofetoa received his early education at Holonga Primary School in Vava’u and the Seventh-day Adventist Church Mangaia Primary School.
He is also an ex-student of Tupou College Toloa.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, both from the University of the South Pacific.
He also earned a Diploma in Police Management in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree.
